From Kendall Bauer
Dear Investor,
As an avid golf fan, I’ve always looked forward to The Masters, the first major tournament of the year at Augusta, Ga. There’s something about tuning in on a spring Sunday — the smooth tone of Jim Nantz’s voice welcoming you back, the azaleas in full bloom across the course, the drama unfolding hole by hole — and getting caught up in the tension and skill on display.
Learn more
The importance of humility in investing, a Money Talk Video with Art Rothschild
Why investments outperform their investors, a Money Talk Video with Kyle Tetting
Market Volatility: Check Your Emotions at the Door, from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Good things come to investors who wait, by Joel Dresang
Earlier this year, watching with my dad, I witnessed Rory McIlroy finally capture his first green jacket on his 17th attempt. A decade-long drought, a collapse in 2011—and yet he stayed composed. Even after missing a crucial putt on the 18th hole, he didn’t spiral. He stepped into a playoff and won on the very next hole.
Watching that moment with someone who shares my love of the game, I realized it was a master class in persistence, composure and focus, qualities every investor needs when markets get volatile.
Emotional discipline matters more than making the “perfect” market call. Markets will rise and fall, and your fight-or-flight response will kick in. The biggest trap most investors fall into isn’t just fear — it’s trying to time the market. Selling after a drop feels safe. Waiting for the “perfect moment” to get back in feels smart. But both moves usually mean missing the rebounds that drive long-term growth.
One impulsive decision can erase months—or even years—of careful progress.
Fear and greed are quiet but powerful destroyers of wealth. That’s why it’s important to have a clear plan and stick with it consistently, even when markets feel scary. Taking a moment to reflect on emotional triggers and committing to stay invested during downturns can make a bigger difference than any single market call.
Like Rory steadying himself for the playoff hole, investors who succeed aren’t the ones who never feel fear — they’re the ones who keep their cool when it matters most.
Pause and reflect on where you stand in your investment journey. Do you have a clear plan in place, or have you been navigating the markets on instinct alone?
Spending time crafting a thoughtful plan now lays the foundation for your long-term success and gives you a guide to rely on when emotions run high. Starting sooner and approaching it deliberately will give your investment journey a much stronger foundation.
Time gave you the edge, consistency built the foundation, and emotional discipline turns it all into opportunity. Downturns aren’t threats — they’re moments to let your plan, patience and perseverance do the heavy lifting.
Until next time,
Kendall
Kendall Bauer is vice president and investment advisor at Landaas & Company, LLC.